Police investigate claim fox was killed during Chester trial hunt

05/01/2019

Police are investigating after a fox was reportedly killed during a hunt in Huxley, near Chester. Cheshire police said they had been notified of the animal’s death during a trail hunt on Saturday and assured the public that the matter will be thoroughly investigated. “Shortly after 1.30pm today Cheshire police were notified that a fox…

Police are investigating after a fox was reportedly killed during a hunt in Huxley, near Chester.

Cheshire police said they had been notified of the animal’s death during a trail hunt on Saturday and assured the public that the matter will be thoroughly investigated.

“Shortly after 1.30pm today Cheshire police were notified that a fox had been killed while a trail hunt was taking place in the Huxley area,” a force spokesman said.

“An investigation into the circumstances has been launched, and a number of parties are being spoken to. The role of the police is to enforce the law impartially. We recognise how emotive this issue is and we would like to assure everyone that the matter will be thoroughly investigated.”

The Labour MP for Chester, Chris Matheson, wrote on Twitter: “I am receiving reports of a fox being killed by a Cheshire hunt.

“I will be seeking confirmation but if true then prosecution and prison sentences must follow. Better still an outright ban on foxhunting.”

The incident comes amid growing concern that the 2004 ban on foxhunting is being ignored. A recent report commissioned by the Cheshire police commissioner urged the government to reform foxhunting laws after MPs raised concerns over allegations of illegal hunting this year.